Allianz Golf Camp 2013

Congratulations to form three pupil Glenn McCreery who experienced a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity when, as a result of entering an online competition through Facebook, he received the opportunity to attend a five day golfing extravaganza at the ‘home of golf’, St. Andrews last August.

Over the past five years corporate giant Allianz have organised similar experiences relating to football and tennis, amongst other sports, but 2013 was to be the year when a five day 'golf camp' would be incorporated into its sporting portfolio. The ethos of the camp was that of 'pupil and mentor', to emphasise the importance of direct adult influence over children. There are not many sports, after all, which allow a parent and their child to play together or indeed compete against each other on a level playing field. So too there are few sports that allow amateurs to play at the venues of their sporting heroes, or facilitate participation between a child and their sporting hero.

Glenn's prize was the opportunity to attend a five day ‘golf camp’ at St. Andrews, along with with fifteen other 'pupil/mentor' pairings. For a golf enthusiast such as Glenn, this was the equivalent of playing at Wembley as a footballer, or on tennis’ Centre Court at Wimbledon. As you would expect, all the winners were treated like royalty during their trip; they stayed at the exclusive Fairmont Hotel and played on some of the world’s finest links golf courses. So too there was the opportunity to attend three coaching sessions at the elite ‘St. Andrews Links Golf Academy’.

The ‘Allianz Golf Camp 2013’ was a truly global experience, with lucky winners emanating from Australia, Brazil, USA, Holland, Italy, Czech Republic, Scotland, Ireland, Germany and, of course, Northern Ireland. From quiet introductions, it wasn't long before friendships were forged as Allianz had arranged activities in such a way as to ensure that everyone mixed with one another, both on the golf course and socially.

Glenn is a member of Knock Golf Club and has a handicap of 9.5. He is one of only twelve young golfers selected for the Ulster U15 Golf Elite Aquad.

Well done to Glenn on securing his position on this exclusive camp and we look forward to seeing him reap the benefits of his experience on the fairways and greens of his native golf courses over the years to come.

Glenn pictured at St. Andrews' famous 'road hole' bunker during his trip to the 'home of golf' last August

Glenn photographed outside the prestigious R&A Clubhouse at St. Andrews